This course covers emerging research in the interplay between nutrition and cancer and offers insights into the role of nutrition in three common cancers: breast, colorectal, and prostate. The course stresses advancements in the individualization of cancer treatment and offers an updated take on the role of nutrition in survivorship.

Needs Assessment

Cancer treatment is changing. With more understanding of how genes play a part in prevention or development of cancers, it is necessary to introduce learners to the complex interactions between cancer, nutrition, genetics, epigenetics, and the gut microbiome. This course addresses controversies as well — popular diets used by individuals interested in cancer prevention and recovery — offering guidelines to help determine whether following these diets is in a patient’s best interest. This course presents best evidence-based nutritional recommendations for a variety of cancers, and preventive nutritional strategies.

Overall goal

The goal of this activity is to: provide a review of the current relevant literature about cancer and nutrition; provide practitioners with an understanding of the central role of nutrition in health and healing; provide a scientific basis for the integration of nutrition and medicine in order to apply information from the literature to interactive clinical scenarios.

Objectives

Nutrition & Cancer students will:

Define integrative oncology and the role of nutrition in integrative care of the oncology patient.

Evaluate risks and benefits of nutritional recommendations for cancer prevention, treatment, complications of treatment, and survival through an analysis of the existing scientific and clinical evidence.

Apply nutritional information to clinical scenarios, advising virtual patients about eating for optimum health, and using dietary change as a therapeutic option.